Aeration vs Dethatching: What Does Your Memphis Lawn Really Need?

Homeowners often confuse aeration and dethatching—or think they're the same thing. They're not. Both improve lawn health, but they solve different problems. Here's how to know which service your Memphis lawn needs.

What is Thatch?

Thatch is the layer of dead grass, roots, and organic matter that builds up between your soil and green grass. A thin layer (less than ½ inch) is normal and beneficial. Thick thatch (more than ½ inch) blocks water and nutrients, harbors pests and disease, and weakens your lawn.

What is Dethatching?

Dethatching uses a machine with vertical blades to rip thatch out of your lawn. It's aggressive, messy, and stressful on grass. Dethatching is only necessary when thatch buildup is severe—most Memphis lawns never need it if properly maintained.

What is Aeration?

Aeration punches holes in your lawn to relieve soil compaction, improve drainage, and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach roots. It also helps break down moderate thatch naturally over time. Aeration is gentler than dethatching and benefits almost every lawn.

How to Check Your Thatch

Cut a small wedge out of your lawn (2-3 inches deep) and look at the profile. If the brown layer between soil and green grass is thicker than ½ inch, you have thatch buildup. Less than ½ inch? Aeration alone is enough.

Most Lawns Need Aeration, Not Dethatching

Memphis's clay soil compacts easily, making aeration beneficial for almost every lawn. Thatch buildup severe enough to require dethatching is less common and usually the result of over-fertilizing or poor maintenance. Start with aeration—it solves most problems.

When to Dethatch

If your thatch layer is over 1 inch thick, dethatching may be necessary. But timing matters: dethatch in early fall when grass can recover quickly. Never dethatch during summer heat or winter dormancy. And always follow dethatching with overseeding to help your lawn recover.

We'll Assess and Recommend

At Mr. C's Lawn Care, we'll evaluate your lawn and recommend the right treatment. Most Memphis lawns benefit most from aeration and overseeding. If dethatching is truly needed, we'll explain why and handle it carefully.

Not sure what your lawn needs? Get a free assessment at mrcslawncarememphis.com. We serve Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Memphis, and Cordova.